How to Say "but for" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “but for” is “salvo” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Todos aprobaron el examen, salvo dos estudiantes.
Everyone passed the exam, except for two students.
Puedes comer de todo, salvo los dulces.
You can eat everything, except the sweets.
Iremos a la playa, salvo que llueva.
We will go to the beach, unless it rains.
Excluding Something
'Salvo' is a handy word for pointing out an exception to a general statement. It works just like the English word 'except'.
Using 'salvo que'
When you combine it with 'que' to make 'salvo que' (unless), the verb that follows needs to be in a special 'wishing' form called the subjunctive. For example, '...salvo que llueva' (unless it rains), not '...salvo que llueve'.
Confusing with 'Excepto'
Mistake: “There isn't a big mistake here, but learners often wonder about the difference.”
Correction: 'Salvo' and 'excepto' mean the same thing and are almost always interchangeable. 'Excepto' is a little more common in everyday conversation, while 'salvo' can sound a tiny bit more formal.
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